National Moth Night 2010

Unfortunately I was unable to attend the Ceredigion Moth Group National Moth Might meeting as I was competing in the Wotton Triathlon.

Several members of the group met up in Greybeards Wood on Saturday night where they were joined by the North and South Ceredigion Bat Groups. Greybeard’s Wood is a privately owned wood and the owner, Mr. Benjamin kindly granted us permission to use it. There was a little bit of a panic at first when one of the traps that was to be used blew a bulb, but this was fixed before the night.

In the end it sounds as though everyone had an enjoyable evening. The moths didn’t really co-operate as there were very few about but here are some of the comments from people who did attend:

Greybeard’s Wood is a wonderful place, a working woodland which places high priority on biodiversity, nature conservation and education. A beautiful clear sunny evening turned in to a rather cold clear night which did not tempt many moths or bats from their roosts.
I put my trap in the garden for the night and was surprised to find a few moths in it this morning; 2 hebrew characters, 1 water carpet, 1 peppered, 1 common quaker and 1 chamomile shark. You wait for ages and then two come along together, just like London buses. I will retain it today just in case anyone wants to drop in here to have a look.

Tony

A pleasant evening in spite of the cold. My trap had 2 moths 1 hebrew character and 1 small phoenix – I think it escaped and is at present hiding in the sitting room – I’ll get it tonight.

Joyce

We’d just like to add our thanks to Liz and Lin for all their hard work in organising last night and to our hosts at Greybeard’s Wood. It was lovely to meet everyone and also be educated on bats. Our trap just yielded three moths overnight- 1 scalloped hazel, 1 great prominent and 1 dark-barred twin spot carpet [this one really was!]. Here’s to the next meeting.

Carolyn and Evan.

Despite not being there I did take my trap with me and put it out at my parents house where I was expecting an interesting catch. They live in a rural area with farmland around them and an old orchard next to the house. It seemed like an ideal spot for some different moths to those that I usally get here next to the sea, but it was a clear night and there wasn’t much around. All I got was

  • 2x Hebrew Character
  • 1x Muslin Moth*

Back at home on Sunday night I decided to put the trap out here for comparison. Once again it wasn’t a huge catch but it was a little more interesting:

  • 4 x Shuttle-shaped Dart
  • 1x Shoulder Stripe
  • 2x Flame Shoulder
  • 1x Red Chestnut
  • 1x Brindled Pug
  • 1x Poplar Kitten*
  • 1x Small Square-spot

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Alan Cole

Alan is a Freelance Website Designer, Sports & Exercise Science Lab Technician and full time Dad & husband with far too many hobbies: Triathlete, Swimming, Cycling, Running, MTBing, Surfing, Windsurfing, SUPing, Gardening, Photography.... The list goes on.

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